1 Corinthians 1:24
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
1 of 14
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κλητοῖς
are called
G2822
κλητοῖς
are called
Strong's:
G2822
Word #:
4 of 14
invited, i.e., appointed, or (specially), a saint
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἕλλησιν
Greeks
G1672
Ἕλλησιν
Greeks
Strong's:
G1672
Word #:
8 of 14
a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
10 of 14
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
δύναμιν
the power
G1411
δύναμιν
the power
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
11 of 14
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:Colossians 2:3In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.1 Corinthians 1:18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.Romans 1:16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.1 Corinthians 1:9God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.Romans 1:4And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:Romans 9:24Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?Luke 7:35But wisdom is justified of all her children.1 Corinthians 1:2Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:Luke 11:49Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:
Historical Context
The early church was radically inclusive: both Jews and Greeks, once divided by culture, law, and worldview, were united in the body of Christ. This was itself a demonstration of the gospel's power—reconciling the irreconcilable. Yet this unity was not achieved by compromise or diluting the gospel but by preaching the offensive cross, which God used to call both groups to saving faith.
Questions for Reflection
- How does divine calling enable believers to see the cross as power and wisdom when the world sees weakness and folly?
- What does it mean practically that Christ Himself is "the power of God" and "the wisdom of God"?
- How does the gospel unite groups (Jew/Greek, slave/free, male/female) that would otherwise remain divided?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God (autois de tois klētois, Ioudaiois te kai Hellēsin, Christon theou dynamin kai theou sophian, αὐτοῖς δὲ τοῖς κλητοῖς, Ἰουδαίοις τε καὶ Ἕλλησιν, Χριστὸν θεοῦ δύναμιν καὶ θεοῦ σοφίαν)—Paul returns to the language of calling (klētois, κλητοῖς, "called ones")—the same term from verse 1. Them which are called are those whom God sovereignly summons to faith. For these, the cross is no longer scandalous or foolish but reveals Christ the power of God (Christon theou dynamin, Χριστὸν θεοῦ δύναμιν) and the wisdom of God (theou sophian, θεοῦ σοφίαν).
What Jews sought in signs and Greeks sought in philosophy is found in Christ crucified: true power (victory over sin, death, Satan) and true wisdom (the solution to humanity's greatest problem). The called—whether Jew or Greek—see this by divine revelation, not human insight. Calling breaks through the blindness; the Spirit opens eyes to see glory where the world sees shame.